Force India to miss first Barcelona test

According to a report from Autosport, Force India VJM08 will not be ready for the next pre-season test in Barcelona.

The team has already missed opening pre-season test at Jerez, having initially they planned to launch the VJM08 at the next test at Barcelona.

Deputy Team Principal Bob Fernley said to Autosport that there had been delays on the making VJM08 would be ready for testing soon, but it’s far more likely the VJM08 will run at the final Barcelona test.

“Given the workload and timescales involved, it’s now looking more difficult to make the first Barcelona test,” he told Autosport.

“Everybody is pushing to try to make it happen, but it’s far more likely the VJM08 will run at the final Barcelona test at the end of February. That means we will use the 2014 car at the next test. The mileage on the VJM07 will still allow us to run with the 2015 Pirelli compounds.”

“We will be in Melbourne for the start of the season, there’s no doubt about that, yes, testing time with the new car will have been limited, but we are doing everything possible to make sure we arrive in Australia in reasonable shape and with as many miles on the car as possible.” He said

Many reports have spread that the team are well behind on payments to critical parts suppliers, Fernley has admitted that issues with suppliers have complicated matters for the team, but he denied recent reports that it is still without its final chassis.

“It’s true to say that expenditure is at its highest at this time of year and we are reliant on a large number of suppliers,” he said.

“Although there have been some production delays, the chassis is delivered and going through the various preparation stages.

“We are still awaiting delivery of some 2015 components, but we have commenced the car build process.”